Dr WOODRUFF question to MINISTER for RACING, Ms HOWLETT
Despite harness racer, Ben Yole, being the subject of the Murrihy investigation’s findings of team driving, race fixing and animal neglect, and two subsequent bans by Tasracing, whose actions were upheld by the Supreme Court, Mr Yole was back racing on Sunday.
We remind you of the damning race footage aired during the ABC’s investigative report last year, and the evidence of brave whistleblowers and industry participants who were clear about alleged cruelty and cheating, including pictures of Ben Yole’s raggedy horses in dusty paddocks forced to eat their own manure.
Does any of this concern you or are you still backing Ben Yole and his stable? Given this notorious trainer is now back in business, do you understand why the majority of Tasmanians, as confirmed by polling, do not support an industry that fails to protect animals or hold wrongdoers accountable?
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, I thank Dr Woodruff for her question. Previously Tasracing issued warning‑off notices to four participants, including Mr Ben Yole, under the Racing Regulation Act 2004. On 6 June, the Tasmanian Racing Appeal Board published its decision in which it upheld in full appeals brought by each of the participants. I will not be commenting on the decision of the appeal board.
Mr Winter – Why not?
Ms HOWLETT – We will wait for the full report from the independent stewards panel due on 30 June. It is important that the work of the independent stewards panel can continue without any political interference. I will not comment on those matters.
I back the actions of Tasracing. Licensed participants should be accountable. The Greens and others have publicly called on me to respond. The government has responded with our election policy. We need a fit-for-purpose system of integrity in the racing industry. We know that racing’s reputation has taken a huge hit, and that is why we introduced the racing regulation and integrity bill 2024 to parliament as soon as we could. I hope that we will be debating that today.
I want to rebuild faith and restore trust in the industry, and that is what this legislation will do. We know that we need a fit-for-purpose integrity system for the industry. I urge all members in this place to support the bill. As Racing minister, my priority is to rebuild trust and restore faith in the racing industry.
SUPPLEMENTARY QUESTION
Dr Woodruff – Madam Speaker, a supplementary question?
Members interjecting.
Madam SPEAKER – Members will be quiet while I hear the supplementary, please.
Dr WOODRUFF – Can the minister answer whether she understands why the majority of Tasmanians, as has been confirmed by polling, do not support an industry that currently fails to protect animals and hold wrongdoers accountable? Do you understand that, minister?
Madam SPEAKER – I will call the minister because the way that supplementaries work is that if they are part of the existing question which was not answered, or they come from information provided within the answer –
Dr Woodruff – Yes, exactly.
Madam SPEAKER – Thank you, members on my right for your helpful interjections. I call the minister.
Ms HOWLETT – I thank the member for her supplementary question. that is why today I look forward to debating the racing regulation and integrity bill 2024. I am sure, as I have stated before, that it will be the biggest industry reform that we have seen in decades. I hope I have support of Dr Woodruff for this new racing legislation bill.
Madam SPEAKER – I have, I believe a second question allocation for the JLN. I call the member for Braddon.
